Mr Aynsley told the Banking Inquiry last week he was told by one of his officials that Finance Minister Michael Noonan was prepared to take a €100m hit rather than sell IBRC loans to an unnamed Irish businessman.

The Sunday Independent last weekend revealed Mr Aynsley was referring to telecoms tycoon Denis O’Brien who was seeking to buy Topaz’s loans from the bad bank.

Mr O’Brien subsequently bought the loans when IBRC was liquidated.

Speaking to reporters today, Ms Creighton said: “Mike Aynsley dropped a bomb shell before the banking inquiry last week. The Banking Inquiry has now gone on holiday and I don’t think that’s acceptable.”

She added: “We need to hear from the Minister for Finance (and) from senior officials in that department as to precisely what instructions were given and precisely what happened. I don’t think it’s acceptable that Irish citizens have to wait now in excess of a month to hear any response.”